Yeast infection signs can show up in various areas of the body in several different ways, some of which are listed below. But even without visible symptoms, you may be able to tell if you have a yeast infection (also known as Candida, thrush or monilia) by taking the Candida spit test.

Vaginal Yeast Infections

In women, vaginal yeast infection signs caused by Candida albicans (as distinguished from bacterial vaginosis) include a white discharge resembling the appearance of cottage cheese, along with itching and pain. The earliest symptom will be itching deeply within and around the vagina. The vulva can be swollen and painful. Also there is often pain with sexual intercourse and/or burning with urination. The best way to tell if burning during urination is from a yeast infection rather than a urinary tract infection is to notice exactly when the burning begins. If it happens just before the urine is expelled, it’s a urinary tract infection. If it happens when the urine reaches the outside tissue, it’s a vaginal yeast infection.

Oral Yeast Infections

Oral yeast infections are known as oral candidiasis or “thrush.” It consists of thick, lacy white areas that look like milk curds. They reside on top of a red base and will appear anywhere in the mouth. Alternatively, thrush is also seen as a red tongue without the white areas. Thrush can be painful and make eating difficult.

Yeast Infections in Toenails

The earliest yeast infection signs in toenails that have been attacked by the Candida albicans yeast are white spots or a nail that’s turning dark. As the fungus spreads, the nail becomes thicker and turns a brownish-yellow color. If allowed to continue advancing, the infection will cause the nail to lift off the nailbed, and it will eventually become deformed.

And the List Goes On

Athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch and more including diaper rash and thrush in babies. Yet beyond these most common yeast infections are many that most people don’t associate with Candida: digestive problems, food allergies, constipation, sexual dysfunction, headaches, rhinitis, chronic fatigue, irritability, depression, spacey feelings and more. And in rare cases, a yeast infection that began in the mouth or vagina can turn into systemic Candidal disease and spread throughout the body.

While most of the above infections respond to treatment, they can become recurring yeast infections. People with yeast infection signs that keep recurring despite the use of various medications may conclude that they’ve only been treating the symptoms, not the cause. Many experts who advocate natural remedies for yeast infections believe that a holistic treatment approach may produce a lasting cure.

Photo: laboratory slide with culture of Candida albicans by CDC/Dr. William Kaplan.